Donald Bailey, age 80, of South Scranton, passed away Tuesday evening shortly after being admitted to Hospice of the Sacred Heart’s Inpatient Unit, Dunmore. His beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Ellen Houston Bailey, preceded him in death on September 14, 2010.
Born in South Portland, Maine, on December 8, 1936, Donald was the son of the late John A., Sr., and Lillian Marshall Bailey. He was a graduate of South Portland High School and had earned an Associates Degree in Business from the University of Scranton. A United States Army Veteran, he was honorably discharged from the service in 1960.
Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a longtime member of St. John Neumann Parish. He also served as past treasurer of the Bell Telephone Pioneers. He had an extensive collection of both stamps and guns, and an avid sports fan, he rooted for both the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. He was a faithful and loving husband, relative and friend who will be dearly missed.
He is survived by nine nieces and nephews, John Bailey, III, and wife Laurie, Peter Bailey and wife Kathy, Kerry Kubik and husband Shaun, Collette Houston-Ong and husband Mark, Paulette Reynolds and husband Thomas, Krista Bailey, Matthew Bailey and wife Jodi, Eileen Leiber and husband Brad, and Suzanne Houston; seven brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, William Houston, Joseph Houston and wife Margot, Francis Houston and wife Ellen, Phyllis Bailey and Joan Bailey; and many great nieces and great nephews.
Two brothers, Donald’s identical twin, Robert Bailey, and John Bailey also preceded him in death.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday at 11:00AM at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 1414 Elm Street in Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. William Blake. Interment with military honors by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 10-11:00AM at the church.
With the family’s deepest gratitude to Telespond for their tremendous care and compassion, in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Donald’s name may be made to Telespond Senior Services, 1200 Saginaw Street # 1, Scranton, Pa., 18505.
Arrangements are under the care of the Kearney Funeral Homes, Inc., 125 N. Main Avenue in Scranton.
